Cystic Acne Overview
Cystic acne is technically known as acne vulgaris or pimples. It is a chronic skin disorder characterized by cysts, open and closed comedones or plugged lesions containing a “cottage-cheese” like material, pus pockets and raised red swelling. Specifically, cystic acne occurs when the skin pores become plugged. Each pore is an opening to a canal known as a follicle which contains a hair and an oil gland. The oil glands normally work to aid keep the skin lubricated and to remove the old skin cells. However, when the oil glands excrete too much oil, the pores can become blocked, then accumulating debris, dirt and bacteria. It is the blockage or plug that is often called a comedone.